AN MP has praised the Government for banning a controversial fishing method from UK waters.

Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, has praised the government for banning pulse fishing.

Pulse fishing is the practice where electrical currents are pulsed into seawater.

The electric pulses cause bottom-dwelling fish to swim away from the seabed and swim into trawl nets.

The practice is particularly controversial amongst environmentalists as it can fatally injure ocean species, damage marine wildlife and lead to huge stock depletion.

Pulse fishing has been an issue in North West Durham, and hundreds of constituents have got in touch with Mr Holden about fishing methods and how these can be improved once we leave the EU.

Constituents have raised that they would like to see more environmental fishing methods that do not have a detrimental impact on our oceans and marine wildlife.

After concerns were raised, the Government, banned pulse fishing in UK waters.

Mr Holden said: “I am delighted that pulse fishing has been banned following our exit from the EU.

"Pulse fishing seriously damages our ocean wildlife and marine conservationists have been calling for it to be banned.

"It also has a devastating effect on the livelihoods of fishermen."